What is it with business writing and “utilise”?
It means exactly the same as “use” but adds two syllables to inflate its importance. And it’s ugly. Really, I can’t think of a single good reason to utilise it. See what I did there?
This example comes from a document published by Pixie Energy: “It utilises the technical capability of Ren Energy to assess and implement project sites, and has successfully sought financial support for seed investment to begin installations in September 2017.”
The other thing I dislike about this sentence is the double tautology of “successfully sought financial support for seed investment”. If you have successfully attempted to do something then you have done it; “successfully” is often a tell-tale for PR puff. And if somebody has provided “financial support for seed investment”, presumably they have made a seed investment. So, unless I’m missing something, this sentence would be better as:
“It uses the technical capability of Ren Energy to assess and implement projects, and has secured seed investment to begin installations in September 2017.” Shorter, clearer and no self-aggrandisement – witting or unwitting.